DCF's Children's System of Care (CSOC), formerly the Division of Child Behavioral Health Services, serves children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral health care challenges and their families; children with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families; and, children with substance use challenges and their families. CSOC is committed to providing services based on the needs of the child and family in a family-centered, community-based environment.

Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Services for Children and Youth Under Age 21

The Children's System of Care offers a wide range of services for children up to age 21 with behavioral health or developmental disability needs. These services include community-based services, in-home services, out-of-home residential services, and family support services. For questions about or to access behavioral health or developmental disability services for children and youth, call the 24-hour, toll-free Access Line at:

1-877-652-7624

Substance Use Treatment Services

The Children's System of Care offers an array of substance use treatment services, including detoxification, outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial care, short-term residential and long-term residential. For questions about or to access substance use treatment servicesfor children and youth, call the 24-hour, toll-free Access Line at:

To access services call: 1-877- 652-7624

Eligibility Determination for Children with Developmental Disabilities

As of January 1, 2013, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families - Division of Children's System of Care (CSOC) assumed responsibility for determining eligibility for developmental disability services for children under age 18. This eligibility process for children, which was formally completed by the Division of Developmental Disabilities, is required under New Jersey law in order to access publicly available developmental disability services. For information on the application process please call:

1-877-652-7624

Additional information and the eligibility application can be found at the PerformCare website. Eligibility for individuals over 18, including life-long planning after age 18, is provided by the Department of Human Services' Division of Developmental Disabilities. More information on this can be found at the Division of Developmental Disabilities website or by calling 1-800-832-9173.

Developmental Disability Family Support services are intended to help support uncompensated caregivers for individuals who are eligible for developmental disability services and living in their own homes. For more information, please visit the CSOC Developmental Disability Family Support Services page.

Autism New Jersey is the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities helps assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, integration and inclusion in all facets of life through culturally competent programs.